Nationwide, black seniors are experiencing higher levels of anxiety surrounding COVID-19. According to a study commissioned by Walgreens, 4 in 10 black seniors report feeling socially isolated, which is 13 percentage points higher than the overall population of seniors aged 55 and older. Black seniors are also 16% more likely to limit their activities and outings out of fear of catching the virus. Even as society begins to recover from the pandemic, many of the 41+ million seniors in the US still feel concerned about their health. The survey reveals that 17 million seniors (42%) are less socially active now than before the pandemic, and 8.2 million (20%) feel lonelier. Black seniors, in particular, are missing out on activities they enjoyed before the pandemic, such as regularly seeing friends, attending family gatherings, going on vacation, shopping, and being connected to their local community.
The study also found that seniors feel more confident socializing when they are surrounded by people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and other viruses like the flu, shingles, and pneumonia. To support the senior community, Walgreens offers Senior’s Day, where seniors aged 55 and older can save 20% on eligible regular-priced merchandise on the first Tuesday of every month, or online all week with a discount code. Walgreens also provides pharmacy services to support seniors, such as prescription refills, 90-day prescription fills, and refill reminders.
It is a shared responsibility to create a healthy post-pandemic world where everyone feels included. Walgreens offers no-cost at-home COVID-19 tests with most insurance plans and encourages seniors to get vaccinated. They also provide essential products and offer doorstep delivery and 30-minute pickup services to make it easier for seniors to access the items they need.
Overall, Walgreens is dedicated to supporting senior communities and helping them navigate through the challenges of the pandemic.
